News & Stories

On Aug. 24, 1968, Immunologist Robert A. Good and a team of specialists performed the world’s first successful bone marrow transplant from a matched, related donor. It was a monumental feat—and it pioneered an entirely new field of specialty care that would open the door to cures for dozens of other life-threatening diseases.

Since achieving this milestone 50 years ago, the University has continued to lead the field. University of Minnesota teams have performed nearly 8,000 blood and marrow transplants (BMTs), primarily for the treatment of leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and other blood-related cancers. 

On Aug. 24, 2018, we will mark the 50^th anniversary of this procedure with a celebration and reception for survivors and their families. All year leading up to the ceremony, we have honored five decades of medical history by sharing stories from BMT recipients and the care providers who helped treat them. You can read these stories here:

• The small but mighty cell
• BMT: How it works
• After a long search for answers, family finds expert care for a rare disease
• Bone marrow transplant patient dedicates life to helping others
• Spotlight: Research helps Heather Stefanski, MD, PhD, develop better treatments for her blood and marrow transplant patients
• Leading edge immunotherapy treatment helped Colin beat back lymphoma
• Leukemia and a blood and marrow transplant can’t stop Beth’s wedding plans
• For blood and marrow transplant patients, resources and support every step of the way
• A story of “Will Power”—Will fights leukemia with the help of CAR T-cell therapy

Stay tuned to our social media channels for the rest of the month, as we continue to share moments and stories related to the 50^th anniversary of our first blood and marrow transplant.